what should you do?

many a times i hear from my clients who tell me "had we known earlier we could have done better for our child...". Unfortunately by the time ppl realise their child has a problem (in this topic- HEARING IMPAIRMENT {HI}) its usually too late. This is because, every child has a 'critical period' for speech-language development. In a gist following are the typical milestones:

(for parents and child health practitioners.)
Early response to be looked for:
Birth – 2 months → startling response to loud sounds
2months – 6months → eye movements to sounds
6months – 12 months → head turning response to sounds, human voice
> 12 months → child babbles mama…baba… etc.
1½ years → single meaningful words
2½ years → 2- word phrases (“mama give”; “give ball”)
3 years and above → meaningful simple sentences (“mama give ball”)



Very often in todays times it is seen that both parents pursue careers and at such times the child is left in the care of day care centres (usually household ones). By the time the mother returns she gets busy with the housework and this routine continues. Ther child may occasionally respond to lod door banging or high volumes, loud name call or rock music. In such cases the parents may not suspect anything amiss in the child. Its usually when the child is about 3 yrs old and admitted to a school that teachers usually point out the facts to parents.



Then follows a series of doctor shopping and different reactions from parents... Denial, Anger, guilt etc. By the time parents accept the fact that their child is hearing impaired and needs to wear a hearing -Aid throughout his life its almost another yr which passes along.



The main goal of writing this article is to make the parents aware as to what they can do once hearing loss is suspected.

• Visit the nearest ENT &/ Audiologist. The tests usually performed are : Pure Tone Audiometry (for children above 3yrs), Behavioral Observation Audiometry (BOA), VIsual response Audiometry(VRA). If these tests cant get to a conclusion then a BERA is recommended to arrive at a final conclusion.


• Based on the type and severity of the hearing loss
  (pls ask the audiologist to give u the details of the problem), different options are recommended to the parents.


• the options include, fitting of hearing aid/s, or the recent Cochlear Implantation. The latter is very expensive and one needs to consult the concerned profesional regarding the details (Hinduja Hospital in Mumbai).


• if Hearing Aid/s need to be fitted then the moulds have to be made first. These are very important for adequate benefits of the aid and to prevent the loss of amplified sounds.


• this should be followed by trials of different aids (based on power and company). Avoid buying aids without a trial.


• once the fitting is done auditory training begins along with speech-language therapy. As far as possible visit a qualified speech therapist near ur area. Their information is usually available with the ENT or local hospitals.


• Schooling type (regular or special school) depends on a lot of factors and should be decided along with the speech therapist and the Special Educator for the Hearing Impaired.

A very Important point here is to remember: In rehabilitation the child rides a bicycle. The front wheel is the rehab team member and the back wheel with a hub is the parent. Unless the back wheel moves the front will not move!

i await readers comments and suggestions.

{look ahead for further information and links on hearing aids}